Green Bay, WI – John “Jack” Poole, 85, passed away on Sunday, January 1st, 2023 at McCormick Assisted Living, Green Bay.
Jack was born in Drayton, ND to Elmer and Ella Poole. He married the former Sharon Greenawald (now deceased), and they celebrated 59 years together and raised 2 sons and 1 daughter.
He grew up in Thief River Falls, where he played hockey and was part of the 1956 team that won the Minnesota State High School Hockey Championship. A book titled River of Champions by Mary Halverson Schofield was written about him and the team. After graduation he joined the Rochester Mustang Hockey team and they won the National Senior Hockey Championship. He came to Green Bay in 1958 to play for the Green Bay Bobcats. In 1961, ‘62 and ’63 he was selected to the United States National Hockey team and he played in the World Tournaments in Switzerland, Sweden, and Colorado. He won a bronze medal in 1962. In 1963 the United States National team, traveled to Europe to play exhibition games in Czechoslovakia, Germany, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and Russia.
Jack served in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Army Security Agency at Fort Bragg, N.C. After Jack’s hockey career, he served on the Board of Directors for the Green Bay Westside Hockey Club and helped create the Beginner’s Skating Program. He also coached many youth hockey teams at all levels – Pee Wee, Squirt, Bantams and for West and Southwest High Schools.
Jack retired from Sears after 27 years, then worked for Bay Area Service and finally ended his career with the Green Bay Packers in the Security Dept., which he just loved. He was a humble, good guy, always willing to help people and never met a stranger. He enjoyed playing golf and watching football, hockey and baseball. He was a loving husband and father and took pride in his grandchildren.
Survivors include sons, Nick (Kelly) Poole, Joe (Michelle) Poole, and daughter, Jill Meister; Grandchildren, Carsin (Garrett) Boeck, Jannae, Leah, Jack, Josie and Eli; Great-grandchildren, Jack and Ford Boeck; Brothers, Tony (Alice), Larry (Ellerine), Bill (Patti); Sister, Muriel; and sisters-in-law, Barb, Joney and Diane Poole.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; brothers, Monroe, Joe, Mike, Pat Poole; and sister, Liz Aasand.
A memorial service to celebrate Jack’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 13th, 2023 at the Lyndahl Funeral Home, 1350 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI, with Reverend Earl Vorpagel officiating. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday, January 13th, 2023 at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
The family would like to thank Unity Hospice for the care and compassion given to their dad, and the team at McCormick Assisted Living, who were wonderful to him over the past 6 months.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com
The Lyndahl Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.
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